Dota 2 Beta Sign-ups Now Open

The new trailer for Dota 2 has probably whet the appetite of a few of you strategy fans. You can't play Dota 2 yet but you'll eventually get a chance to try it before the game launches later this year.

The Dota 2 website now provides a link for beta sign-ups. As you'd expect for a Valve game, you'll need a Steam account to sign up. There's no mention of when the beta will begin. However, the website says it will contact you once that date approaches.

Dota 2 is inspired by the WarCraft III custom map Defense of the Ancients. Two teams of players try to destroy a special structure (known as an "ancient") in the opposing team's base. Each player controls a Hero, a powerful unit with special abilities. By killing enemy Hero units or their A.I. henchmen, these Heroes will grow in power.

GamesCom 2011, now underway in Germany, is the site of Dota 2's unveiling. Valve is hosting a $1 million Dota 2 tournament called "The International" during the convention. Yesterday Valve released the first trailer for the game, which you can check out below.